Rubio says ‘nothing’ impeded US success after Russia reportedly helped Iran target bases

WASHINGTON, DC: Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Saturday, August 1, downplayed reports that Russia helped Iran target US military bases in the Middle East, saying foreign support for American adversaries had not affected Washington’s ability to achieve its objectives.

Rubio made the remarks during an interview with Lara Trump after President Donald Trump said he intended to confront Russian President Vladimir Putin over reports that Moscow may have assisted Iran. His comments came as the administration also said it was preparing another effort to revive negotiations aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war.

Rubio addresses reports of Russia-Iran cooperation

When asked whether reports of cooperation between Russia and Iran concerned the administration, Rubio acknowledged that some countries and companies work with US adversaries but argued their actions had not altered American operations.

He added, "Nothing we have wanted to do in the Middle East, none of the actions we've taken, none of our successes, have in any way been impeded by anything that any other country in the world did against us."

"Look, unfortunately, I think you'll find in the world that there are countries, or at least companies within countries, that work with adversaries of ours, and when we identify it, we raise it, and in some cases very successfully," Rubio said.

Rubio further said foreign involvement could create concerns but had not affected US goals.

Rubio further said foreign involvement could create concerns but had not affected US goals.

"There are things that might be irritants, there are things that might be concerning, but there is nothing any other country is doing that in any way is standing in the way of us achieving the things we want to achieve or the objectives we want," Rubio said.

Ukraine alleges Russia shared surveillance information with Iran

Rubio’s comments followed claims Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Kyiv would share information with the United States regarding Russia’s alleged assistance to Iran.

Zelenskyy said on July 25 that Ukraine had recorded active Russian satellite surveillance of Gulf states and US military facilities that later appeared connected to Iranian targeting efforts.

"I will instruct our intelligence to share with our partners the information we have regarding Russia’s new assistance to the Iranian regime. Since the beginning of July, we have recorded active Russian satellite surveillance of the Gulf states and U.S. military facilities located…" Zelenskyy wrote. 

The claims renewed scrutiny over the relationship between Moscow and Tehran as the US continues monitoring security developments in the Middle East.

Rubio says Trump administration will continue Ukraine peace efforts

Rubio also discussed the administration’s efforts to restart negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, saying President Donald Trump could help bring both sides back to the negotiating table.

"The President has made very clear the United States can play a role in bringing about an end to that war," Rubio said.

He said Washington had spent significant time pursuing diplomacy before talks reached what he described as a stalemate.

Rubio said recent battlefield developments, including Ukraine’s ability to carry out long-range strikes inside Russia, could create an opportunity to revisit negotiations.

"I know you're going to see some efforts over the next few weeks to see if we can't restart talks between the two sides and bring this war to an end," Rubio said.

He acknowledged that both Moscow and Kyiv continue to maintain "pretty strong red lines," making an agreement difficult at this stage. However, Rubio said the administration would continue looking for opportunities to support diplomacy.

"The President's told his team, if you see an opportunity to be a force that brings about some momentum behind peace talks, let's do it," Rubio said. "He always prefers diplomacy over war and peace over combat."